Chain Bridge
Ideal: Ideal for romantic walks, photography, and classic city landmarks.
Opened in 1849 as the first permanent bridge over the Danube, until then people crossed by boat or waited for ice in winter. Count István Széchenyi became obsessed with the project after arriving a week late for his father's funeral because of frozen river conditions. The design belongs to English engineer William Tierney Clark; the construction site was run by Scotsman Adam Clark, who was not related to him. The legend that the lions added in 1852 have no tongues is false — they do, they are just not visible from below. The Germans blew up the bridge in 1945; it was rebuilt in 1949.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1840
- Opened
- 1849
- Architect
- William Tierney Clark
- Architectural style
- Renaissance Revival architecture
- Length
- 375 m
- Heritage status
- historic monument of Hungary
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
How were Buda and Pest connected before the bridge?
There was no permanent crossing: a pontoon bridge was set up in summer, and in winter ice could cut the link entirely. The Chain Bridge, opened in 1849, joined the two cities permanently and paved the way for their 1873 unification.
Is it true the lions have no tongues?
The city legend says the sculptor forgot them and drowned himself in the Danube from shame. In fact the lions do have tongues — they simply cannot be seen from below, which is where the story comes from.
What happened to the bridge in the war?
Retreating German forces blew up every Danube bridge in Budapest in 1945. The Chain Bridge was rebuilt and reopened in 1949, exactly a century after its first opening.
Why go?
- To see one of Budapest's most recognizable bridges
- To walk between Buda and Pest on foot
- For Danube views and night lights
Travel tip
Walking the bridge in the evening is more impressive — the lights and river view are far stronger.
